Designer Handbags

In their lifetime, most women will only buy one. You might call it an investment, of sorts, because of the prestige that comes with owning one. The resale price is high for second-hand, and people will be scrambling to buy it off you. What is it?

A designer handbag.

Perhaps one of the most iconic designer handbags in this day and age is the Hermés Birkin bag. Victoria Beckham (aka Posh Spice!) has a collection of over 100 of these bags that has been valued at over £1.5 million. So what does she love so much about the Birkin?

I was lucky enough to be able to test one of these bags for the week, thanks to Avelle (their website is www.bagborroworsteal.com) and I have to say, I see why Posh loves the Birkin so much!

These designer handbags are lovely. They are classic and beautiful, but still eye-catching and they really do have that designer aura about them. People definitely notice you when you’re toting a Hermés handbag. The other great thing about this bag is the amount of space in it. You can easily fit your cell phone, makeup case, bottled water and a few accessories (eg. Sunglasses or scarf, depending on the season).

I rented the Birkin bag in “vintage red” and I have to say, it was beautiful. It’s just the right size to carry about all day, fitting nicely under your arm without poking into your hip (as some of the pyramid shaped Louis Vuitton bags do) and the straps are a really good length. Not too long, not too short.

The quality of this designer handbag impressed me, and I think other than the designer name, that’s what you are really paying for when you go for a bag this expensive. The lining was immaculate, perfectly stitched and the outer leather showed no wear at all, despite being a rental bag that goes between customers daily. The leather has been stitched very strongly, which is what you want in a bag you’ll be using frequently, and I suspect it has been treated to be waterproof and durable (the rain rolled straight off it, with no water stains whatsoever).

The bags I would recommend if you’re looking to buy a designer piece, would have to come from Hermés, Louis Vuitton or Fendi. They are instantly recognisable, which is exactly what you want when you carry one of those hot accessories!

If you’re after something a little more unusual, and perhaps not so recognisable, then I’d recommend Carsha. This trendy brand has something that very few others do- reversible leather. You can turn your black handbag red simply by turning it in-side out. It’s very useful as you can turn your office bag into an after-work drinks bag in a few seconds. It also gives the illusion of you owning more handbags than you really do- also very useful.

Before spending major money on a designer handbag however, I would recommend renting one for the week and seeing how well it fits into your lifestyle. Are you going to need more space than that little Fendi clutch gives? Is the Louis Vuitton trademark pattern going to bore you after a day or two? I was very happy with my bag rental from Avelle, so I’d recommend hopping on their website to find your dream bag, then just try it for a week. There’s nothing wrong with a test drive after all.

If you buy a bag then change your mind, don’t despair! The resale prices on designer handbags are quite high. That’s what I call a risk-free investment.
Happy shopping loves, and remember brand names never go out of fashion.